Thiazolo(4,5-d)pyrimidine compounds

ABSTRACT

The invention provides certain thiazolopyrimidine compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; processes and intermediates used in their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/GB00/03692, which has an International filing date of Sep. 26, 2000, and which designated Swedish Application Serial No. 9903544-6 filed Oct. 1, 1999, as priority.

The present invention relates to certain thiazolopyrimidinone compounds, processes and intermediates used in their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.

WO 98/08847 and EP0778277 each disclose a series of 6,5-hetero bicyclic compounds said to be useful as CRF antagonists.

Chemokines play an important role in immune and inflammatory responses in various diseases and disorders, including asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. These small secreted molecules are a growing superfamily of 8-14 kDa proteins characterised by a conserved four cysteine motif. The chemokine superfamily can be divided into two main groups exhibiting characteristic structural motifs, the Cys-X-Cys (C-X-C) and Cys-Cys (C-C) families. These are distinguished on the basis of a single amino acid insertion between the NH-proximal pair of cysteine residues and sequence similarity.

The C-X-C chemokines include several potent chemoattractants and activators of neutrophils such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2).

The C-C chemokines include potent chemoattractants of monocytes and lymphocytes but not neutrophils such as human monocyte chemotactic proteins 1-3 (MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3), RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed and Secreted), eotaxin and the macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β).

Studies have demonstrated that the actions of the chemokines are mediated by subfamilies of G protein-coupled receptors, among which are the receptors designated CCR1, CCR2, CCR2A, CCR2B, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCR10, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4 and CX3CR1. These receptors represent good targets for drug development since agents which modulate these receptors would be useful in the treatment of disorders and diseases such as those mentioned above.

In accordance with the present invention, there is therefore provided a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof:

in which

R¹ represents a C₃-C₇ carbocyclic, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl group, each of the groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹ or an aryl or heteroaryl group, both of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹, C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl groups;

R² and R³ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or a C₃-C₇ carbocyclic, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl group, the latter four groups may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from:

(a) halogen atoms, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹;

(b) a 3-8 membered ring optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S, NR⁸ and itself optionally substituted by C₁-C₃ alkyl or halogen; or

(c) an aryl group or heteroaryl group each of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹, C₁-C₆ alkyl and trifluoromethyl groups;

R⁴ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl or a phenyl group the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹¹ and —NR¹²R¹³

R⁵ and R⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or phenyl group the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹⁴ and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶, —CONR¹⁵R¹⁶, —NR¹⁵COR¹⁶, —SONR¹⁵R¹⁶, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁶ or

R⁵ and R⁶ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated heterocyclic ring system optionally containing a further heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which ring system may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from phenyl, —OR¹⁴, —COOR¹⁴, —NR¹⁵R¹⁶, —CONR¹⁵R¹⁶, —NR¹⁵COR¹⁶, —SONR¹⁵R¹⁶, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁶ or C₁-C₆ alkyl, itself optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶ and —OR¹⁷ groups;

R¹⁰ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆-alkyl or a phenyl group, the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹⁷ and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶; and

each of R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷ independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆, alkyl, or a phenyl group.

In the context of the present specification, unless otherwise indicated, an alkyl or alkenyl group or an alkyl or alkenyl moiety in a substituent group may be linear or branched. Aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl. Heteroaryl groups include 5- or 6-membered aromatic rings containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S, O. Examples include pyridine, pyrimidine, thiazole, oxazole, pyrarole, imidazole, furan.

Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. It will be understood that the invention encompasses all geometric and optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and mixture thereof including racemates. Tautomers and mixtures thereof also form an aspect of the present invention.

In formula (I) above, the group R¹ represents a C₃-C₇ carbocyclic, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl group, each of the groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹ or an aryl or heteroaryl group, both of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹, C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl groups. Particularly advantageous compounds of formula (I) are those in which R¹ represents an optionally substituted benzyl group. More preferably R¹ represents benzyl or benzyl substituted by one or more C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or halogen atoms.

When R² and R³ represent a group substituted by one or more 3-8 membered rings optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S or NR⁸, examples of such groups include piperidine, pyrrolidine, piperazine and morpholine.

Preferably one of R² and R³ is hydrogen and the other is C₁-C₈ alkyl substituted by hydroxy and one or more methyl or ethyl groups. More preferably one of R² and R³ is hydrogen and the other is CH(CH₃)CH₂OH, CH(Et)CH₂OH, C(CH₃)₂CH₂OH or CH(CH₂OH)₂. When one of R² and R³ is hydrogen and the other is CH(CH₃)CH₂OH or CH(Et)CH₂OH the resulting compounds of formula (I) are preferably in the form of the (R) isomer.

Particularly preferred compounds of the invention include:

7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(R)-7-[[1-(Hydroxymethyl)propyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(R)-7-[(2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

N-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

(+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[3-Chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(3R,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidin-3-yl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methylphenyl)methyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[(2-Furanylmethyl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-Amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(2S)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanamide,

7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-thienylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5[[[3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[[3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[[2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates.

Particular salts of compounds of formula (I) include:

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt,

5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt,

(+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt,

7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt, or

7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt.

Further particular salts of compounds of formula (I) include:

7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one monohydrochloride, or

5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one dihydrochloride.

According to the invention there is also provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises either:

Treatment of a compound of formula (IIA)

where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) with a thiol R¹SH in the presence of a suitable base and optionally forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The reaction may be carried out in a mixed solvent of DMSO and ethanol at a temperature between 0° C. and 100° C. using sodium borohydride as the base.

Compounds of formula (IIA) where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) may be prepared by treatment of compounds of formula (I) with a suitable oxidising agent such as oxone. The reaction may be carried out in a solvent such as acetonitrile at a temperature between 0° C. and 100° C.

Or treatment of a compound of formula (IIB):

where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is a leaving group with a metal alkoxide, followed by treatment with an acid or base and optionally forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

X is any suitable leaving group such as halogen. The reaction may be carried out in an alcohol solvent such as methanol and the deprotection carried out in a solvent such as 1,4-dioxane. Examples of metal alkoxides include potassium methoxide. Examples of suitable acids include hydrochloric acid. Preferably the compound of formula (IIB) is treated with a metal alkoxide such as potassium methoxide followed by an acid such as conc. HCl in a solvent such as 1,4-dioxane.

Compounds of formula (IIB) where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is a halogen, maybe prepared from corresponding compounds (IIB) where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is NH₂ by treatment with a diazotizing agent such as isoamylnitrite and a halogenating agent such as bromoform.

Compounds of formula (IIB) where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is NH₂ may be prepared either by treatment of a compound of formula (IIIA):

where R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is NH₂ with a compound of formula R¹X where R¹ is as defined above and X is a leaving group such as bromide in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethyiamine in an inert solvent such as DMSO/N-methylpyrrolidinone at a temperature between 0° C. and 100° C.

Compounds of formula (IIIA) where R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is NH₂ may be prepared by treatment of a compound of formula (IIB) where R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I), X is NH₂ and R¹ is a suitable benzyl group such as benzyl or 2,3-difluorobenzyl with a reducing medium such as sodium metal in liquid ammonia, or by treatment of a compound of formula (IIIB):

where R¹ is as defined in formula (I) and L is a leaving group such as chlorine with an amine HNR²R³ where R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I). The reaction may be carried out in a solvent such as N-methyl-pyrrolidine at a temperature between 0° C. and 150° C.

Compounds of formula (IIIB) where R¹ is as defined in formula (I) and L is a halogen may be prepared by treating a compound of formula (IIIB) where R¹ is as defined in formula (I) and L is a hydroxyl group with a halogenating agent such as phosphorous oxychloride. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of dimethylaniline at reflux.

Compounds of formula (IIIB) where R¹ is as defined in formula (I) and L is a hydroxyl group may be formed either by treatment of a compound of formula (IVA) with a compound of formula R¹X where R¹ is as defined above and X is a leaving group such as bromide in the presence of a base such as potassium tert-butoxide in an inert solvent such as DMSO at ambient temperature.

Or by heating a compound of formula (IVB) where R¹ is as defined above.

The reaction is preferably carried out in a suitable solvent such as DMF at elevated temperature, for example at about 120° C.

Compounds of formula (IVB) may be readily prepared by reacting a compound of general formula (V) wherein R¹ is as defined above, with potassium thiocyanate and bromine in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide/pyridine.

Compounds of formula (V) are suitably prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VI):

with a compound of formula R¹X where R¹ is as defined above and X is a leaving group such as bromide in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride in an inert solvent such as DMF at ambient temperature.

Compounds of formula (IVA) and (VI) are either commercially available or are well known in the literature.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the processes described above the functional groups (e.g. hydroxyl groups) of intermediate compounds may need to be protected by protecting groups. The final stage in the preparation of the compounds of the invention may involve the removal of one or more protecting groups. The protection and deprotection of functional groups is fully described in ‘Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry’, edited by J. W. F. McOmie, Plenum Press (1973), and ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’, 2nd edition, T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience (1991).

Novel intermediate compounds form a further aspect of the invention. In particular compounds of formula (IIA), (IIB) and (IIIA) are novel and form an aspect of the invention.

The compounds of formula (I) above may be converted to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, preferably a basic addition salt such as sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminium, lithium, magnesium, zinc, benzathine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, ethyldiamine, meglumine, tromethamine or procaine, or an acid addition salt such as a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, tartrate, citrate, oxalate, methanesulphonate or p-toluenesulphonate.

The compounds of formula (I) have activity as pharmaceuticals, in particular as modulators of chemokine receptors, and may be used in the treatment (therapeutic or prophylactic) of conditions/diseases in human and non-human animals which are exacerbated or caused by excessive or unregulated production of chemokines. Examples of such conditions/diseases include:

(1) (the respiratory tract) obstructive airways diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); asthma, such as bronchial, allergic, intrinsic, extrinsic and dust asthma, particularly chronic or inveterate asthma (e.g. late asthma and airways hyper-responsiveness); bronchitis; acute, allergic, atrophic rhinitis and chronic rhinitis including rhinitis caseosa, hypertrophic rhinitis, rhinitis purulenta, rhinitis sicca and rhinitis medicamentosa; membranous rhinitis including croupous, fibrinous and pseudomembranous rhinitis and scrofoulous rhinitis; seasonal rhinitis including rhinitis nervosa (hay fever) and vasomotor rhinitis; sarcoidosis, farmer's lung and related diseases, fibroid lung and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia;

(2) (bone and joints) rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies (including ankylosing spordylitis, psoriatic arthritis and Reiter's disease), Behcet's disease, Sjogren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis;

(3) (skin) psoriasis, atopical dermatitis, contact dermatitis and other eczmatous dermitides, seborrhoetic dermatitis, Lichen planus, Pemphigus, bullous Pemphigus, Epidermolysis bullosa, urticaria, angiodermas, vasculitides, erythemas, cutaneous eosinophilias, uveitis, Alopecia areata and vernal conjunctivitis;

(4) (gastrointestinal tract) Coeliac disease, proctitis, eosinopilic gastro-enteritis, mastocytosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, food-related allergies which have effects remote from the gut, e.g., migraine, rhinitis and eczema;

(5) (other tissues and systemic disease) multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus, erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, type I diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, eosinophilia fascitis, hyper IgE syndrome, lepromatous leprosy, sezary syndrome and idiopathic thrombocytopenia pupura; post-operative adhesions, and sepsis.

(6) (allograft rejection) acute and chronic following, for example, transplantation of kidney, heart, liver, lung, bone marrow, skin and cornea; and chronic graft versus host disease;

(7) Cancers, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and squamous sarcoma, and tumour metastasis;

(8) Diseases in which angiogenesis is associated with raised CXCR2 chemokine levels (e.g. NSCLC, diabetic retinopathy).

(9) Cystic fibrosis, stroke, re-perfusion injury in the heart, brain, peripheral limbs and other organs.

(10) Burn wounds & chronic skin ulcers

(11) Reproductive Diseases (e.g. Disorders of ovulation, menstruation and implantation, Pre-term labour, Endometriosis)

Thus, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined for use in therapy.

Preferably the compounds of the invention are used to treat diseases in which the chemokine receptor belongs to the CXC chemokine receptor subfamily, more preferably the target chemokine receptor is the CXCR2 receptor,

Particular conditions which can be treated with the compounds of the invention are psoriasis, diseases in which angiogenesis is associated with raised CXCR2 chemokine levels, and COPD. It is preferred that the compounds of the invention are used to treat psoriasis.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined in the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of human diseases or conditions in which modulation of chemokine receptor activity is beneficial.

In the context of the present specification, the term “therapy” also includes “prophylaxis” unless there are specific indications to the contrary. The terms “therapeutic” and “therapeutically” should be construed accordingly.

The invention still further provides a method of treating a chemokine mediated disease wherein the chemokine binds to a chemokine (especially CXCR2) receptor, which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined.

The invention also provides a method of treating an inflammatory disease, especially psoriasis, in a patient suffering from, or at risk of, said disease, which comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined.

For the above-mentioned therapeutic uses the dosage administered will, of course, vary with the compound employed, the mode of administration, the treatment desired and the disorder indicated.

The compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof may be used on their own but will generally be administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition in which the formula (I) compound/salt/solvate (active ingredient) is in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Depending on the mode of administration, the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise from 0.05 to 99% w (percent by weight), more preferably from 0.05 to 80% w, still more preferably from 0.10 to 70% w, and even more preferably from 0.10 to 50% w, of active ingredient, all percentages by weight being based on total composition

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

The invention further provides a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention which comprises mixing a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined, with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be administered topically (e.g. to the lung and/or airways or to the skin) in the form of solutions, suspensions, heptafluoroalkane aerosols and dry powder formulations; or systemically, e.g. by oral administration in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, powders or granules, or by parental administration in the form of solutions or suspensions, or by subcutaneous administration or by rectal administration in the form of suppositories or transdermally. Preferably the compounds of the invention are administered orally.

The invention will now be further illustrated by reference to the following examples. In the examples the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra were measured on a Varian Unity Inova 300 or 400 MHz spectrometer and the Mass Spectrometry (MS) spectra measured on a Finnigan Mat SSQ7000 or Micromass Platform spectrometer. Where necessary, the reactions were performed under an inert atmosphere of either nitrogen or argon. Chromatography was generally performed using Matrex Silica 60® (35-70 micron) or Prolabo Silica gel 60® (35-70 micron) suitable for flash silica gel chromatography. High pressure liquid chromatography purification was performed using either a Waters Micromass LCZ with a Waters 600 pump controller, Waters 2487 detector and Gilson FC₀₂₄ fraction collector or a Waters Delta Prep 4000. The abbreviations m.p. and DMSO used in the examples stand for melting point and dimethyl sulphoxide respectively.

EXAMPLE 1 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) Thiocyanic acid, 6-amino-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-2-[(phenylmethyl)thio]-5-pyrimidinyl ester

6-Amino-2-[(phenylmethyl)thio]-4(1H)-pyrimidinone (10.5 g) [preparation as described in WO 9635678] and potassium thiocyanate (25 g) in N,N-dimethylformamide (200 ml) were heated together at 65° C. Pyridine (6.3 ml) was added and the solution cooled to 5° C. Bromine (2.2 ml) was added slowly and the reaction mixture stirred for 2 hours at 5-10° C. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice water, stirred for 1 hour and the solid was isolated by filtration. After washing with water and ether, a pure sample was obtained after trituration with hot methanol.

MS (APCI) 291 (M+H, 100%).

(b) 2-Amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one

The product of example 1 step a) (7.35 g) was heated at 120° C. in N,N-dimethylformamide (40 ml)/water (10 ml) for 10 hours. After cooling, the resulting solid was filtered off, washed with water, then ethyl acetate to give the subtitle compound.

m.p. 325° C.

MS (APCI) 291 (M+H, 100%).

(c) 7-Chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-amine

The product from example 1 step b) (0.89 g), phosphorus oxychloride (12 ml) and N,N-dimethylaniline (1.2 ml) were heated at reflux for 2 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was poured onto ice water and stirred for 2 hours. Chromatography (SiO₂, methanol/dichloromethane as eluant) gave the sub-title compound.

m.p. 217-218.5° C.

MS (APCI) 309 (M+H, 100%).

(d) 2-[[2-Amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[-4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

The product from example 1 step c) (0.6 g) and 1-amino-2-methyl-propan-2-ol (1.1 g) in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) was heated in a sealed vessel at 100° C. for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified (SiO₂, ethyl acetate as eluant) to give the subtitle compound (0.46 g).

MS (APCI) 362 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(e) 2-[[2-Bromo-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

To a solution of the product from example 1 step d) (0.1 g) in bromoform (5 ml) was added isoamylnitrite (0.13 ml) and the mixture heated at 60° C. for 10 mins. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified (SiO₂, ethyl acetate:dichloromethane 1:9 as eluant) to give the subtitle compound as a colourless solid (0.043 g).

MS (APCI) 427 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(f) 2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

To a solution of the product from example 1 step e) (0.36 g) in methanol (5 ml) was added potassium hydroxide (0.095 g) and the mixture stirred for 30 mins. The mixture was neutralised with concentrated hydrochloric acid then evaporated to dryness and purified (SiO₂, ethyl acetate:dichloromethane 1:9 as eluant) to give the subtitle compound as a colourless solid (0.245 g).

MS (APCI) 377 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(g) 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

To a solution of the product from example 1 step f) (0.21 g) in 1,4-dioxane (5 ml) was added water (0.1 ml) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (1 drop). The mixture heated at 45° C. for 3 hours then evaporated to dryness. Recrystallisation (acetonitrile) gave the title compound (0.110 g).

M.P 207-8° C.

MS (APCI) 363 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.43-7.23 (5H, m), 6.61 (1H, bs), 4.81 (1H, t), 4.34 (2H, s), 3.55 (2H, bs), 1.32 (6H, s).

EXAMPLE 2 (R)-7-[[1-Hydroxymethyl)propyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) (R)-2-[[2-Amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-butanol

To a mixture of the product of example 1 step c) (2.5 g) and (R)-(−)-2-amino-1-butanol (5 g) in a solvent of N-methylpyrrolidinone (10 ml) was added N,N-diisopropylethylamine (5 ml) and the resultant mixture heated at 100° C. for 10 hours. The mixture was poured into water and the product collected by filtration to give the subtitle compound (2.5 g)

MS (APCI) 362 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) (R)-2-[[2-Bromo-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-butanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 2 step a).

MS (APCI) 427 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) (R)-2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-butanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 2 step b).

MS (APCI) 377 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) (R)-7-[[1-(Hydroxmethyl)propyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 2 step c).

M.P 217-8° C.

MS (APCI) 363 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.43-7.21 (6H, m), 4.68 (1H, t), 4.32 (2H, q), 4.09 (1H, bs), 3.47-3.32 (2H, m), 1.69-1.59 (1H, m), 1.48-1.41 (1H, m), 0.82 (3H, t).

EXAMPLE 3 (R)-7-[(2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) (R)-2-[[2-Amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 1 step c) and (R)-(−)-2-amino-1-propanol.

MS (APCI) 412 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) (R)-2-[[2-Bromo-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 3 step a)

MS (APCI) 348 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) (R)-2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 3 step b)

MS (APCI) 363 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) (R)-7-[(2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 3 step c).

MS (APCI) 349 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.38 (1H, s), 7.44-7.20 (6H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.32 (2H, m), 4.23 (1H, m), 3.49-3.29 (2H, m), 1.11 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 4 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-Amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one

Potassium t-butoxide solution (0.45 ml of 1M solution in tetrahydrofuran) was added to a stirred solution of 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-5-thioxo-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one (0.09 g) [Cited: Indian J. Chem., Sect. B (1989), 28B(11), 964-5.] and 2,3-difluorobenzyl bromide in dimethyl sulphoxide (2 ml). After stirring for 3 days, the reaction mixture was poured onto water to give and the subtitle compound, isolated by filtration.

MS (APCI) 327 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 7-Chloro-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-amine

Prepared by the method of example 1 step c), using the product of example 4 step a).

MS (APCI) 345 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-Amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and 2-amino-2-methylpropanol.

MS (APCI) 398 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 4 step c).

MS (APCI) 462 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(e) 2-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 4 step d).

MS (APCI) 413 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(f) 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 4 step e).

MS (APCI) 399 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.41 (1H, s), 7.41-7.30 (2H, m), 7.21-7.13 (1H, m), 6.64 (1H, bs), 4.79 (1H, t), 4.41 (2H, s), 3.53 (2H, d), 1.29 (6H, s).

EXAMPLE 5 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) (2R)-2-[[2-Amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4 step b) and (R)-(−)-2-amino-1-propanol.

MS (APCI) 384 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) (2R)-2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 5 step a).

MS (APCI) 448 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) (2R)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 5 step b)

MS (APCI) 398 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 5 step c).

MS (APCI) 385 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.41 (1H, s), 7.41-7.11 (4H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.39 (2H, m), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.47-3.29 (2H, m), 1.09 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 6 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and 2-(2-aminoethoxy)-ethanol.

MS (APCI) 414 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 6 step a).

MS (APCI) 478 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 6 step b).

MS (APCI) 429 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 6 step c).

M.P 213-4° C.

MS (APCI) 415 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.41 (1H, s), 7.39-7.11 (4H, m), 4.57 (1H, t), 4.39 (2H, s), 3.57-3.38 (8H, m).

EXAMPLE 7 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and 2-amino-1,3-propandiol.

MS (APCI) 400 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 7 step a).

MS (APCI) 464 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 7 step b).

MS (APCI) 415 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 7 step c).

M.P 178-9° C.

MS (APCI) 401 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.41 (1H, s), 7.42-7.11 (4H, m), 4.66 (2H, s), 4.40 (2H, s), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.49 (4H, m).

EXAMPLE 8 7-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) [2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]-carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and (2-aminoethyl)-carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester.

MS (APCI) 469 (M+H⁺, 100%).

b) [2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]-carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 8 step a).

MS (APCI) 533 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) [2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]-carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 8 step b).

MS (APCI) 489 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) 7-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 8 step c).

M.P 215-6° C.

MS (APCI) 370 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.00 (1H, s), 7.45-7.11 (3H, m), 6.35 (1H, bs), 4.37 (2H, s), 3.48 (2H, m), 2.92 (2H, t),

EXAMPLE 9 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and ethanolamine

MS (APCI) 370 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 9 step a).

MS (APCI) 434 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) 2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 9 step b).

MS (APCI) 385 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 9 step c).

M.P 217-9° C.

MS (APCI) 371 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.43 (1H, s), 7.67-7.64 (1H, m), 7.39-7.33 (2H, m), 7.16-7.12 (1H, m), 4.73 (1H, t), 4.40 (2H, s), 3.52-3.42 (4H, m).

EXAMPLE 10 N-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

(a) N-[2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and N-[2-aminoethyl]-methanesulfonamide,

MS (APCI) 448 (M+H⁺, 100%).

b) N-[2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 10 step a).

MS (APCI) 511 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) N-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 10 step b).

MS (APCI) 462 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) N-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 10 step c).

M.P 225-6° C.

MS (APCI) 448 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.49 (1H, s), 7.72 (1H, t), 7.41-7.13 (4H, m), 4.43 (2H, bs), 3.49 (2H, m), 3.13 (2H, m), 2.89 (3H, s).

EXAMPLE 11 (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) (+/−)-2-[2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and (+/−)-2-[2-aminopropoxy]ethanol,

MS (APCI) 428 (M+H⁺, 100%).

b) (+/−)-2-[2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 11 step a).

MS (APCI) 492 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) (+/−)-2-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propoxy]ethanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 11 step b).

MS (APCI) 443 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 11 step c).

M.P 221-2° C.

MS (APCI) 429 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.43 (1H, s), 7.47-7.30 (3H, m), 7.17-7.13 (1H, m), 4.56 (1H, t), 4.40 (2H, s), 4.35 (1H, m), 3.49-3.32 (6H, m), 1.10 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 12 7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

(a) (2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propanamide,

Prepared by the method of example 2 step a), using the product of example 4, step b) and (2R)-2-amino-propanamide hydrochloride,

MS (APCI) 397 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) N⁷-[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2,7-diamine

To a solution of the product from example 12 step a) (0.3 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) was added 2M borane in THF(10 ml) and the mixture heated under reflux for 6 hours. Quenched while hot with methanol (30 ml), evaporated to dryness and the residue taken up into methanol (30 ml) containing a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The mixture was then heated under reflux for a further 1 hour, evaporated to dryness to give a pale yellow solid.

MS (APCI) 383 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) [(2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

To a solution of the product from example 12 step b) (1.6 g) in THF (50 ml) was added di-tert-butyldicarbonate (0.91 g) and the mixture stirred for 2 days. Evaporated to dryness to give 2.0 g.

MS (APCI) 483 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) [(2R)-2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 12 step c).

MS (APCI) 547 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(e) [(2R)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 12 step d).

MS (APCI) 498 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(f) 7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 12 step e) and purified by the method of example 15 step f).

MS (APCI) 384 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.55 (1H, s), 7.81 (3H, bs), 7.45-7.31 (4H, m), 7.18-7.13 (1H, m), 4.51-4.34 (3H, m), 2.95 (2H, m), 1.14 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 13 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

To a solution of the product from example 12 step f) (100 mg) in dry THF (5 ml) was added [[(1,1-dimethylethyl)dimethylsilyl]oxy]-acetaldehyde (49 mg) followed by sodium triacetoxyborohydride (61 mg) and the mixture stirred for 1 hour. The mixture was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, stirred at room temp for 1 hour then evaporated to dryness. The product was purified (HPLC, Novapak® C18 column, 0.1% aqueous TFA:acetonitrile, gradient elution 75:25 to 5:95 over 15 minutes) to afford the title compound (0.021 g).

MS (APCI) 428 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.39-7.29 (2H, m), 7.17-12 (1H, m), 6.92 (1H, m), 4.91 (1H, s), 4.48-4.32 (3H, m), 3.54 (2H, m), 2.94-2.82 (4H, m), 1.12 (3H, m).

EXAMPLE 14 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 13 using the product of example 12, step f) and 40% aqueous formaldehyde solution.

MS (APCI) 412 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.00 (1H, s), 7.39-7.31 (2H, m), 7.18-7.09 (2H, m), 4.39 (2H, q), 4.30 (1H, m), 3.31 (6H, bs), 2.43-2.38 (1H, m), 2.24-20 (1H, m), 1.07 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 15 5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

(a) 2-(2-chloro-4-formylphenoxy)acetamide,

To a solution of 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (10 g) in methanol (100 ml) was added 1.0 M potassium t-butoxide (64 ml). To the mixture was added 2-chloroacetamide (5.96 g) and the mixture heated under reflux overnight. The mixture was evaporated to the residue triturated with water (500 ml) and the solid collected to give the subtitle compound (4.4 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 9.89 (1H, s), 7.97 (1H, d), 7.82 (1H, dd), 7.04 (1H, d), 6.73 (1H, s), 5.87 (1H, s), 4.63 (2H, s).

(b) 2-[2-chloro-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy]acetamide,

To a solution of the product from example 15 step a) (4.4 g) in ethanol (500 ml) was added sodium borohydride (1.56 g) and the mixture allowed to stir for 1 hour. Acidified with glacial acetic acid, evaporated to dryness and extracted into ethyl acetate, washed with water to give the subtitle compound (4.3 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.44 (1H, d), 7.29 (1H, d), 6.90 (1H, d), 6.81 (1H, s), 5.85 (1H, s), 4.63 (2H, s), 4.48 (2H, s), 1.96 (1H, s).

(c) 2-[4-[(acetylthio)methyl]-2-chlorophenoxy]acetamide,

Diisopropylazocarboxylate (5.5 ml) was added to a stirred solution of triphenylphosphine (7.31 g) in THF at 0° C. Upon completion of addition a colourless precipitate deposited. To this suspension was added a mixture of the product from example 15 step b) (3.0 g) and thiolacetic acid (2.00 ml) in THF (30 ml) at 0° C. The mixture was allowed to attain room temp overnight, evaporated to dryness and the residue purified (SiO₂, 10% ethyl acetate: 90% ether as eluant) to give the subtitle compound (3.5 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.35 (1H, d), 7.17 (1H, dd), 6.84 (1H, d), 6.76 (1H, s), 5.81 (1H, s), 4.54 (2H, s), 4.04 (2H, s), 2.35 (3H, s).

(d) 2-[2-chloro-4-(mercaptomethyl)phenoxy]acetamide,

To a solution of the product from example 15 step c) (1.0 g) in methanol (50 ml) was added sodium hydroxide pellets (0.15 g) and the mixture stirred for 2 days. The mixture was diluted with water and the subtitle compound collected by filtration. (0.7 g).

NMR δH (d6 DMSO) 7.44 (1H, s), 7.38 (1H, d), 7.21 (1H, dd), 6.98 (1H, d), 4.55 (2H, s), 3.76 (2H, s).

(e) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)sulfonyl]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

To a solution of the product from example 3 step d) (240 mg) in acetonitrile (100 ml) and water (100 ml) was added oxone (2.4 g) and the mixture heated at 40 deg for 2 hours. The acetonitrile was removed by rotary evaporation and the subtitle compound collected by filtration (235 mg)

MS (APCI) 381 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(f) 5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate,

To a mixture of the product from example 15 step e) (100 mg), the product from example 15 step d) (329 mg) and sodium borohydride (50 mg) in a solution of DMSO (1 ml) and ethanol (10 ml) was heated at 55-60° C. for 12 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue purified (HPLC, Novapak® C18 column, 0.1% aqueous TFA:acetonitrile, gradient elution 95:5 to 5:95 over 15 minutes) to afford the title compound (0.023 g).

MS (APCI) 442 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (D₂O) 7.46 (1H, bs), 7.32 (1H, d), 7.00 (1H, d), 4.36-4.20 (5H, m), 3.61 (2H, m), 3.46 (2H, m), 1.20 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 16 5-[[3-Chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzenemethanethiol

Thiourea (3.04 g, 0.04 mol) was added to a solution of 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzyl bromide (4.0 g, 0.02 mol) in ethanol (200 ml) and refluxed for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was subsequently dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (30 g, 0.75 mol in 300 ml water) and heated at 80° C. for one hour. The reaction mixture was cooled with an ice bath and acidified by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The product was isolated by extraction three times into diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo, to give the sub-title compound as a colourless oil in 83% yield (3.0 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.34 (1H, m), 7.18 (1H, dd), 6.86 (1H, d), 3.89 (3H, s), 3.68 (2H, d), 1.76 (1H, t).

b) 5-[[3-Chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

3-chloro-4-methoxybenzenemethanethiol (0.28 g, 0.68 mmol), prepared in example 16 step a), the product of example 15 step e) (0.130 g, 0.349 mmol), and sodium borohydride (0.026 g, 0.68 mmol) were refluxed at 50° C. in a mixture of dimethylsulfoxide (6 ml) and ethanol (10 ml). After 3 hours and again after five hours reaction time, further portions of sodium borohydride (0.5 g, 1.3 mmol) in ethanol (2 ml) were added to the reaction and reflux at 50° C. was continued until conversion was complete by hplc ms (15 hours in total). The reaction mixture was neutralised by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid and the ethanol removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by reverse phase chromatography on Symmetry C8, eluting with a gradient of 25% to 95% acetonitrile in 0.1M aqueous ammonium acetate over 10 minutes. The product was freeze dried from methanol/water/acetonitrile to obtain the sub-title compound in 33% yield as a white lyophylate (0.046 g).

MS (APCI) 413 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.39 (1H, bs), 7.47 (1H, m), 7.36 (1H, m), 7.25 (1H, d), 7.06 (1H, d), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.32-4.21 (3H, m), 3.82 (3H, s), 3.49-3.30 (2H, m), 1.11 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 17 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 3-chloro-2-fluorobenzenemethanethiol

The sub-title compound was prepared as a colourless oil in 65% yield (2.51 g) by the method described in example 16 step a) from 3-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl bromide (5.0 g, 0.022 mol).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.32-7.21 (2H, m), 7.04 (1H, t), 3.75 (2H, d), 1.90 (1H, t).

b) 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The title compound was prepared by the method described in example 16 step b) from 3-chloro-2-fluorobenzenemethanethiol, prepared in example 17 step a), and the product of example 15 step e).

The product was obtained in 12% yield as a white lyophylate (0.038 g).

M.P 234-5° C.

MS (APCI) 401 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.4 (1H, bs), 7.55 (1H, m), 7.48 (1H, t), 7.26 (1H, d), 7.17 (1H, t), 4.72 (1H, bs), 4.38 (2H, m), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.3 (2H, m), 1.08 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 18 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(3R,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidin-3-yl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 3-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-4-hydroxy-(3R,4R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

(3R,4R)- 3-Amino-4-hydroxy-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (0.73 g), diisopropylethylamine (1.0 ml) and the product of example 4 step b), were stirred is in NMP (10 ml) at 100° C. for 28 hrs. The cooled mixture was poured onto water and the solid produced collected, washed with water and air dried. The crude material was purified (SiO₂, ethyl acetate as eluant) to give the subtitle compound as a colourless solid (0.58 g).

m.p. 182-5° C.

MS (APCI) 511 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 3-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-4-hydroxy-(3R,4R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 18 step a).

MS (APCI) 572 (M−H⁺, 100%).

(c) 3-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-4-hydroxy-(3R,4R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 18 step b).

MS (APCI) 526 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(3R,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidin-3-yl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 18 step c).

m.p. 270° C. (dec)

MS (APCI) 412 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.32 (2H, m), 7.14 (1H, m), 6.46 (1H, d), 5.57 (1H, s), 4.39 (2H, s), 4.30 (2H, m), 3.39 (2H, m), 3.12 (1H, dd), 2.98 (1H, d).

EXAMPLE 19 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one dihydrochloride

(a) 3-[[2-Amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(3R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 18 step a) using (R)-3-amino-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester and the product of example 4 step b).

MS (APCI) 495 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 3-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(3R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 19 step a).

MS (APCI) 559 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 3-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(3R)-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 19 step b).

MS (APCI) 510 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, dihydrochloride

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 19 step c) then converted to the salt.

m.p. 178-181° C.

MS (APCI) 396 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.75 (1H, s), 9.19 (2H, bd), 7.91 (1H, d), 7.37 (2H, m), 7.17 (1H, m), 4.66 (1H, m), 4.43 (2H, dd), 3.10-3.50 (4H, m), 2.17 (1H, m), 1.96 (1H, m).

EXAMPLE 20 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 6-Amino-2-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]-4(3H)-pyrimidinone

4-Amino-6-hydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine hydrate (16.1 g) and powdered sodium hydroxide (8.0 g) was stirred in dry DMF (100 ml) for 20 mins. 4-Chloromethyl-2-methylthiazole hydrochloride monohydrate (20 g) was added portionwise and the resulting suspension stirred 18 hrs. The mixture was poured onto water and the solid collected, washed with water and dried to afford the sub-title compound (24.3 g)

MS (APCI) 255 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-Amino-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one

The product from example 20 step a) (24.3 g) and potassium thiocyanate (37.1 g) was stirred in dry DMF (400 ml) with pyridine (13.1 ml) at 0° C. Bromine (4.5 ml) was added over 1 hr. After stirring 2 hrs the mixture was poured into water. The resulting solution was concentrated to low volume then water added. The resulting solid was collected, taken up in 2M hydrochloric acid and precipitated by the addition of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The solid was collected, washed with water and dried to give the sub-title compound, (8.7 g).

MS (APCI) 312 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 7-Chloro-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-amine

Prepared by the method of example 1 step c), using the product of example 20 step b), (4.3 g).

MS (APCI) 330/332 (M+H⁺), 330 (100%).

(d) (2R)-2-[[2-Amino-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 18 step a), using the product of example 20 step c),

m.p. 220-2° C.

MS (APCI) 369 (M+H, 100%).

(e) (2R)-2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 20 step d).

MS (APCI) 433 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(f) (2R)-2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 20 step e).

MS (APCI) 384 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(g) 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 20 step f).

m.p. 208-9° C.

MS (APCI) 370 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.35 (1H, s), 7.32 (1H, d), 4.73 (1H, t), 4.36 (2H, s), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.38 (2H, m), 2.62 (3H, s), 1.10 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 21 7-[[2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol

Prepared by the method of example 18 step a), using the product of example 20 step c) and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol

m.p. 158-160° C.

MS (APCI) 385 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 21 step a).

MS (APCI) 448 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 21 step b).

MS (APCI) 400 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 7-[[2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 21 step c).

m.p. 239-243° C.

MS (APCI) 386 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.38 (1H, s), 7.24 (1H, d), 4.67 (2H, t), 4.36 (2H, s) 4.20 (1H, m), 3.50 (4H, m), 2.62 (3H, s).

EXAMPLE 22 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-Amino-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 18 step a), using the product of example 20 step c) and 2-amino-2-methylpropanol

m.p. 250-252° C.

MS (APCI) 383 (M+H, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-Bromo-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 22 step a).

MS (APCI) 446 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-Methoxy-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 22 step b).

MS (APCI) 398 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 22 step c).

m.p. 231 -2° C.

MS (APCI) 384 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.36 (1H, s), 7.37 (1H, s), 6.61 (1H, bs), 4.80 (1H, t), 4.37 (2H, s), 3.55 (2H, d), 2.62 (3H, s), 1.31 (6H, s).

EXAMPLE 23 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methylphenyl)methyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one.

(a) 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)sulphonyl]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one.

A stirred solution of the product from example 1 step g) (0.14 g) in glacial acetic acid (30 ml) was treated with peracetic acid (36/40% in acetic acid, 2 ml), stirred for 2 h, then at 50° C. for 1 h. The solution was quenched with an excess of dimethyl sulphide and evaporated to give a gum.

MS (APCI) 395 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methylphenyl)methyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one.

The product from example 23 step (a) was taken up in DMSO (1.73 ml), treated with potassium butoxide and divided into 3 portions. One portion was treated with 2-methylphenylmethyl mercaptan (0.053 g), stirred at 50° C. for 1 h for 2 h, neutralised with glacial acetic acid and subjected to preparative reverse phase HPLC on a 19×50 mm symmetry C8 column using 10 to 60% acetonitrile in 0.1% aqueous ammonium acetate over 6 min at 20 ml/min to give the titled compound.

MS (APCI) 377 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 1.33 (s, 6H); 2.35 (s, 3H); 3.57 (d, 2H); 4.33 (s, 2H); 4.82 (t, 1H); 6.57 (broad s, 1H); 7.12-7.20 (mult., 3H); 7.41 (d, 1H); 12.37 (broad s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 24 5-[(2-Furanylmethyl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)sulphonyl]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one.

The subtitled compound was prepared from the product of example 3 step d), using the method of example 23, step (a)

MS (ES) 381 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 5-[(2-Furanylmethyl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The titled compound was prepared from the product of example 24 step (a), using the method of example 23, step (b) using furfuryl mercaptan

MS (APCI) 339 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₄-methanol) 1.12 (d, 3H); 3.41-3.45 (mult., 1H); 3.49-3.53 (mult., 1H); 4.24-4.32 (mult., 3H); 6.18-6.22 (mult., 2H); 7.29 (broad s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 25 7-[[(1R)-2-Amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) [(1R)-2-amino-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl]carbamic acid, 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester

A solution of D-Alaninamide hydrochloride (3 g) in 10% sodium carbonate solution (50 ml) and dioxan (50 ml) was treated with FMOC chloride (6.24 g) in dioxane (40 ml) and allowed to stir overnight. The mixture was diluted with water (500 ml) and the product collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to give 9.0 g of the subtitle compound.

MS (ESI) BP 311 (+H)

(b) [(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]carbamic acid, 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester

To a solution of the product from example 25 step a) (6.9 g) in THF (100 ml) was added boran-methylsulfide complex (4.4 ml) and the mixture heated under reflux for 2 hours.

The mixture was carefully quenched by the addition of methanol (100 ml), evaporated to dryness and the residue taken up into methanol (100 ml) and acidified to pH 1-2 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Heated under reflux for 30 mins then evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated with ether to give a solid, which was collected by filtration, dissolved in water and the free base precipitated by the addition of aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution to give the subtitle compound (3.1 g).

MS (ESI) BP 297 (+H)

(c) (2R)-[2-(9H-Fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)-propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethylester.

To a stirred solution of the product from example 25 step b) (3.0 g) in THF (100 ml) was added ditert-butyldicarbonate (2.2 g) and the mixture stirred at room temp for 30 mins. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the crude product purified (SiO₂, dichloromethane as eluant) to give the subtitle compound (3.8 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.76 (2H, m), 7.42 (2H, m), 7.39-26 (4H, s), 5.01 (1H, s), 4.85 (1H, s), 4.38 (2H, d), 4.19 (1H, t), 3.77 (1H, m), 3.18 (2H, m), 1.27 (9H, s).

(d) [(2R)-2-aminopropyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

To a solution of the product from example 25 step c) (3.8 g) in THF (100 ml) was added piperidine (5 ml) and the mixture allowed to stand for 1 hour at room temp. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue purified (SiO₂, 5% methanol:dichloromethane as eluant) to give the subtitle compound as a colourless oil (1.7 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 4.95 (1H, s), 3.13 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.87 (1H, m), 1.38 (9H, s), 1.08 (3H, d).

(e) [(2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

The product from example 1 step c) (2.0 g) and the product from example 25 step d) (1.3 g) in a solvent of NMP (10 ml) containing Hunigs base (3 ml) was heated at 110° C. for 10 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified (SiO₂, (1:1) dichloromethane:ethyl acetate as eluant) to give the subtitle compound (1.9 g).

MS (ESI) BP 447 (+H)

(f) [(2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)sulfonyl]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

To a solution of OXONE (7.0 g) in water (400 ml) was added sodium hydrogen carbonate until the pH was adjusted to 7.4. To this solution was added a solution of the product from example 25 step e) (1.9 g) in acetonitrile (100 ml) and the mixture heated at 40° C. for 2 hours. Upon completion of the reaction the acetonitrile was removed by rotary evaporation to give the subtitle compound (1.7 g).

MS (ESI) BP 479 (+H)

(g) 3-chloro-2-fluoro-benzenemethanethiol,

A mixture of 3-chloro-2-fluorobenzylbromide (5.0 g), thiourea (3.4 g) in a solvent of ethanol (200 ml) was heated under reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and to the residue was added a solution of sodium hydroxide (30 g) in water (300 ml) and the mixture heated under reflux for 1 hour. Allowed to cool to room temperature and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, the product was extracted into ether to give the subtitle compound as an oil (2.51 g).

NMR δH (CDCl₃) 7.32-21 (2H, m), 7.04 (1H, t), 3.75 (2H, d), 1.90 (1H, t).

(h) [(2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

To a mixture of the product from example 25 step f) (1.2 g), the product from example 25 step g) (1.6 g) in a mixed solvent of ethanol (30 ml) and DMSO (5 ml) was added sodium borohydride (100 mg) and the mixture heated at 50° C. for 2 hours. The ethanol was removed by rotary evaporation and the crude product expand into ethyl acetate and washed with water. The subtitle compound was obtained by purification (SiO₂, 1:1)dichloromethane:ethyl acetate as eluant) to give (1.95 g).

MS (ESI) BP 499 (+H)

(i) [(2R)-2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 25 step h).

MS (APCI) 562 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(i) [(2R)-2-[[5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 25 step i).

MS (APCI) 514 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(k) 7-[[(1R)-2-Amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 25 step j).

M.P 241-3° C.

MS (APCI) 400 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.56 (1H, m), 7.49 (1H, m), 7.17 (1H, m), 7.05 (1H, bs), 4.44 (1H, m), 4.39 (2H, ab), 2.92 (2H, d), 1.13 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 26 (2S)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanamide

(a) (2S)-2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanamide

The subtitled compound was prepared according to example 2 step (a) using the product of example 4 step b) (2 g, 6 mmol), 1-serinamide (0.66 g, 6 mmol), NMP (80 ml), and diisopropylethylamine (2 ml) to give the subtitled compound (1.36 g)

Mp 145-151° C.

MS (APCI) 413 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 8.10 (2H, brs), 7.40-7.07 (6H, m), 4.57 (1H, q), 4.43 (1H, d), 4.36 (1H, d), 3.71 (2H, d).

(b) (2S)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorephenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanamide

Prepared by consecutive use of the methods of example 1 steps e), f), and g), using the product of example 26 step (a). The compounds formed during the separate steps were not purified or charactrised.

MS (APCI) 414 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.47 (1H, br), 7.47 (1H, br), 7.42 (1H, s), 7.34 (2H, m), 7.13 (1H, m), 7.09 (1H, s), 4.90 (1H, t), 4.58 (1H, m), 4.39 (2H, m), 3.70 (2H, m).

EXAMPLE 27 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-thienylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-thienylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The title compound was prepared by the method described in example 16 step b) from the product of example 15 step e) (0.300 g, 0.79 mmol) and 2-thiophenemethanethiol (0.32 ml, 3.9 mmol).

The product was obtained in low 3% yield as a white lyophylate (0.010 g).

MS (APCI) 355 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (d₆-DMSO) 12.50 (1H, bs), 7.36 (1H, m), 7.16 (1H, bs), 7.07 (1H, m), 6.92 (1H, m), 4.72 (1H, bs), 4.55 (2H, d), 4.26 (1H, m), 3.44 (2H, m), 1.12 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 28 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[[3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 3-methyl-4-(methylthio)benzaldehyde

Tin (IV) chloride (13.6 ml, 0.116 mol) was added to an ice-bath cooled solution of 1-methyl-2-(methylthio)benzene (10 g, 0.073 mol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (200 ml) under nitrogen and stirred for a further 2 hours at 0° C. α,α-Dichloromethyl methyl ether (6.56 ml, 0.073 mol) was introduced and the reaction stirred for 1 hour at <10° C. before the cooling was removed. After attaining room temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into ice/water (400 ml), stirred and then extracted with dichloromethane (×3). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, concentrated onto silica gel and purified by flash chromatography, eluting with diethyl ether/isohexane (10:1) to yield the sub-title compound as a brown oil (6.54 g) in 54% yield.

GCMS 166 (M+H, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (CDCl₃) 9.91 (1H, s), 7.68 (1H, m), 7.62 (1H, s), 7.24 (1H, t), 2.54 (3H, s), 2.36 (3H, s).

b) 3-methyl-4-(methylthio)benzenemethanol

Sodium borohydride (1.40 g, 0.037 mol) was added to an ice-bath cooled solution of the product of example 28 step a) (6.16 g, 0.037 mol) in ethanol (50 ml). After 1 hour, the reaction mixture was neutralised by careful addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (2 molar) and concentrated in vacuo to remove the organic solvent. The remaining aqueous solution was then extracted with ethyl acetate (×3). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to yield the sub-title compound as a brown oil (6 g) in quantitative yield.

GCMS 168 (M⁺, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (CDCl₃) 7.18 (3H, m), 4.62 (2H, bs), 2.46 (3H, s), 2.33 (3H, s).

c) 3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzenemethanol

3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (57-86% grade, 20.4 g) was stirred in dichloromethane (150 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then filter. The filtrate was added dropwise over 1 hour to an ice-bath cooled, stirred solution of the product from example 28 step b) (5.67 g, 0.034 mol) in dichloromethane (50 ml). The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution followed by aqueous sodium dithionite solution (10 g Na₂O₄S₂ in 150 ml water). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo before purification by flash chromatography, eluting with dichloromethane/methanol (100:2). The sub-title compound was obtained as a yellow oil (5.52 g) in 82% yield.

MS (APCI) 201.1 (M+H⁺, 94.3%).

NMR δ_(H) (CDCl₃) 7.87 (1H, d), 7.38 (2H, m), 5.40 (1H, q), 4.56 (2H, d), 3.18 (3H, s), 2.61 (3H, s).

d) 3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzenemethanethiol acetate

Diethyl azodicarboxylate (4.33 ml, 0.028 mol) was added to an ice-bath cooled solution of triphenylphosphine (7.20 g, 0.028 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (40 ml). To the resulting suspension was added a solution of the product from example 28 step c) (5.5 g, 0.028 mol) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml). After the precipitate had dissolved, thiolacetic acid was added to the reaction solution and the cooling was removed. After 16 hours at room temperature, the reaction was concentrated onto silica gel and purified by flash chromatography, eluting with isohexane/ethyl acetate (2:1). The sub-title compound was obtained as a pink solid (2.46 g) in 35% yield.

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.84 (1H, d), 7.36 (2H, m), 4.16 (2H, s), 3.19 (3H, s), 2.61 (3H, s), 2.37 (3H, s).

e) bis[[3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]methyl]disulfide

A mixture of the product of example 28 step d) (1.98 g, 7.66 mmol) and 7 molar methanolic/ammonia (30 ml) was stirred for 24 hours. The product precipitated out of solution as a white solid and was isolated by filtration and dried in vacuo. The file was similarly treated with 7 molar ammonia in methanol and yielded a second crop of solid, white product. In total, the sub-title compound was obtained in 32% yield (0.534 g).

MS (APCI) 451 (M+NH₄ ⁺, 98.9%).

NMR δ_(H) (d₆-DMSO) 7.88 (2H, s), 7.38-7.34 (4H, m), 3.88 (4H, s), 3;20 (6H, s), 2.64 (6H, s).

f) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[[3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The title compound was prepared by the method described in example 16 step b) using the product from example 15 step e) (0.20 g, 0.53 mmol) and the product from example 28 step e) (0.34 g, 0.79 mmol) to yield 11% product as a white lyophylate (0.025 g).

MS (APCI) 441 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (d₆-DMSO) 12.40 (1H, s), 7.81 (1H, d), 7.52 (2H, m), 7.33 (1H, d), 4.74 (1H, t), 4.35 (2H, s), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.41 (1H, m), 3.34-3.28 (1H, m), 3.18 (3H, s), 2.61 (3H, d). 1.08 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 29 5-[[[3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzenemethanethiol

To a solution of 3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzylbromide (5 g) in ethanol (100 ml) was added thiourea (5 g) and the mixture heated under reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue taken up into water (100 ml). To this solution was added sodium hydroxide pellets (3 g) and the mixture heated under reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, the mixture was extracted with ether, dried and evaporated to give the subtitle compound as a colourless waxy solid (3.5 g).

NMR δ_(H) (CDCl₃) 7.35-7.09 (3H, m), 3.58 (2H, s).

b) 5-[[[3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The title compound was prepared by the method described in example 16 step b) using the product from example 15 step e) (0.40 g, 1.05 mmol) and the product from example 29 step a) (0.71 g, 1.5 mmol) to yield 10% product as a white lyophylate (0.046 g).

MS (APCI) 467 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (d₆-DMSO) 12.42 (1H, s), 7.75 (1H, m), 7.52 (2H, m), 7.43 (1H, d), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.34 (2H, d), 4.18 (1H, quintet), 3.46-3.27 (2H, m), 1.07 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 30 5-[[[2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

a) 2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzenemethanethiol

The subtitle compound was prepared from 2-fluoro-(3-trifluoromethyl)benzylbromide (10 g) using the method of example 29 step a)

NMR δ_(H) (CDCl₃) 7.68-7.18 (3H, m), 3.74 (2H, s), 1.98 (1H, s).

b) 5-[[[2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The title compound was prepared by the method described in example 16 step b) using the product of example 15 step e) (0.47 g, 1.23 mmol) and the product of example 30 step a) (0.775 g, 3.7 mmol) to yield 5% product as a white lyophylate (0.025 g).

MS (APCI) 435 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δ_(H) (d₆-DMSO) 12.42 (1H, s), 7.92 (1H, t), 7.68 (1H, t), 7.35 (2H, m), 4.71 (1H, bs), 4.42 (2H, m), 4.16 (1H, quintet), 3.40-3.30 (2H, m), 1.07 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 31 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one monohydrochloride

(a) 2-Bromo-7-chloro-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine

The product of example 4 step (b) (8.0 g) was suspended in bromoform (200 ml) followed by addition of tert-butyl nitrite (8 ml) and the whole heated at 60° C. for 30 minutes. The solvents were removed by reduced pressure and the residue purified by column chromatography (silica-1:1-dichloromethane/isohexane) to give a yellow solid (5.6 g).

MS (APCI) 409/411 (M+H, 100%).

b) 7-chloro-5-[(2,3-difluorophenylmethyl)thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine

The product of example 31 step a) (5.6 g) was suspended in methanol (150 ml) and potassium hydroxide powder (0.77 g) added. The whole was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was adjusted to pH 7 with a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid before it was evaporated to dryness. Purified by column chromatography (silica-3:2 to 1:1 isohexane/dichloromethane) to give white solid (2.0 g).

MS (APCI) 360/362 (M+H, 100%).

(c) 7-Chloro-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The product from example 31 step (b) (2.0 g) was dissolved in dioxan (150 ml) followed by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid (1 ml) and water (1 ml) and the whole heated at 40° C. for 67 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified by column chromatography (silica-dichloromethane) to give a white solid (1.4 g).

MS (APCI) 346/348 (M+H, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2,3-difluorephenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one monohydrochloride

The product from example 31 step (c) (1.4 g) was dissolved in dry tetrohydrofuran (5 ml) and to the solution was added N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (0.25 g) in a finger bomb which was heated at 80° C. for 24 hours. The solvents were removed by reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and brine. The combined organic extracts were dried (sodium sulfate) and evaporated by reduced pressure for the ensuing residue to be purified by column chromatography (silica-5:1 ethyl acetate/methanol) to give the free base as a sticky solid (0.095 g). This was converted to the monohydrochloride by suspending the solid in methanol (10 ml) followed by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid (3 drops) to ensure dissolution then water (100 ml) for the compound to be freeze dried to give a brown powder (0.080 g).

m.p. 263° C.(dec.)

MS (APCI) 398 (M+H, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.57 (1H, s), 10.22 (1H, s), 7.94 (1H, t), 7.40 (1H, m), 7.34 (1H, m), 7.16 (1H, m), 4.43 (2H, s), 3.78 (2H, s), 3.21 (2H, m), 2.78 (6H, d)

EXAMPLE 32 5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

The product of example 1 step c) (25.0 g), D-Alaninol (12.3 g) and diisopropylethylamine (26.0 g) were diluted in N-methylpyrrolidinone (250 ml) and stirred at 100° C. for 24 h before cooling and pouring the reaction mixture into H₂O (2.5 l). The precipitate was filtered and dried in vacuo before being preabsorped onto silica gel. Chromatography using EtOAc. 4% MeOH/EtOAc as eluents afforded the desired product as a yellow solid (9.0 g. 32%).

MS (APCI) 347 (M+H, 100%).

(b) 2-[(2-amino-5-mercaptothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Sodium metal was added portionwise to a solution of the product of example 32 step a) (5.0 g) in ammonia (150 ml) until a blue colouration persisted. Ammonium chloride was then added and the solvent allowed to evaporate. The residue was dissolved in H₂O (200 ml) and filtered before neutralising with 2M HCl solution. The grey precipitate was filtered, washed with H₂O (200 ml) and dried in vacuo for 48 h to yield the subtitle compound as a brown solid (3.0 g).

MS (APCI) 258 (M+H, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

2-fluorobenzylbromide (0.369 g) was added portionwise to a solution of the product of example 32 step b) (0.5 g) and diisopropylethylamine (0.26 g) in DMSO/N-methylpyrrolidinone (4 ml/0.5 ml) at 50° C. and stirring maintained for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between H₂O (200 ml) and EtOAc (120 ml). The organics were recovered and washed flier with H₂O (200 ml), dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated onto silica gel. The subtitle compound was purified by flash chromatography using DCM then EtOAc as eluents to yield a white solid (245 mg, 35%).

MS (APCI) 366 (M+H, 100%).

(d) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Isoamyl nitrite (0.3 ml) was added to a suspension of the product of example 32 step c) (0.23 g) in bromoform (15 ml) and acetonitrile (15 ml) at 50° C. Stirring was maintained for 10 min before concentrating to approximately, 3 ml. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 20% EtOAc/DCM as eluent to yield the subtitle compound as a yellow solid (102 mg, 38%).

MS (APCI) 429 (M+H, 100%).

(e) 2-[[5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Potassium hydroxide (27 mg) was added to a solution of the product of example 32 step d) (0.1 g) in MeOH (10 ml). The mixture was stirred for 24 h before neutralising to pH 7 with 2M HCl solution. The volatiles were removed in vacuo and the product used directly in the following step.

MS (APCI) 381 (M+H, 100%).

(f) 5-[[(2-flourophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

The product of example 32 step e) was dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (50 ml), H₂O (1 ml) and concentrated HCl solution (0.5 ml) and stirred for 20 h at 40° C. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product purified by preparative HPLC to afford the subtitle compound as a white solid (21 mg).

MS (APCI) 367 (M+H, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.40 (1H, s), 8.14-7.11 (5H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.35 (2H, m), 4.22 (1H, m), 3.47-3.29 (2H, m), 1.10 (3H, d)

EXAMPLE 33 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 378 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 33 step a).

MS (APCI) 441 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-methoxy-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 33 step b).

MS (APCI) 393 (M+H⁺, 100%).

d) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 33 step c).

MS (APCI) 379 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.40 (1H, dd), 7.22 (1H, dt), 6.97 (1H, d), 6.84 (1H, dt), 6.00 (1H, d), 4.25 (2H, m), 4.15 (1H, m), 3.83 (3H, s), 3.48-3.31 (2H, m), 1.10 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 34 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 378 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 34 step a).

MS (APCI) 441 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) 2-[[2-methoxy-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 34 step b). MS (APCI 393 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 34 step c).

MS (APCI) 379 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.30-7.26 (3H, m), 6.96-6.91 (3H, m), 4.71 (1H, t), 4.23-4.14 (3H, m), 3.46-3.28 (4H, m), 1.08 (3H, d)

EXAMPLE 35 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 362 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 35 step a).

MS (APCI) 425 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) 2-[[2-methoxy-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 35 step b).

MS (APCI) 377 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 35 step c).

MS (APCI) 363 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.37 (1H, s), 7.23-7.16 (4H, m), 7.04 (1H, d), 4.73 (1H, t), 4.28 (2H, m), 4.24 (1H, m), 3.48-3.30 (2H, m), 2.28 (3H, s), 1.11 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 36 5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 380 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 36 step a).

MS (APCI) 443 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 36 step b).

MS (APCI) 395 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 36 step c).

MS (APCI) 381 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.39 (1H, s), 7.37-7.00 (4H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.33 (2H, m), 4.22 (1H, m), 3.47-3.30 (2H, m), 2.23 (3H, s), 1.11 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 37 5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 382 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 37 step a).

MS (APCI) 445 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 37 step b).

MS (APCI) 397 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 37 step c).

MS (APCI) 383 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.40 (1H, s), 7.49 (1H, d), 7.43-7.30 (4H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.32 (2H, m), 4.21 (11, m), 3.48-3.26 (2H, m), 1.09 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 38 5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 426 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[(2-bromo-5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 38 step a).

MS (APCI) 491 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 38 step b).

MS (APCI) 443 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 38 step c).

MS (APCI) 427 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.40 (1H, s), 7.63 (1H, t), 7.46-7.24 (4H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.31 (2H, m), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.48-3.26 (2H, m), 1.10 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 39 5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 414 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step d), using the product of example 39 step a).

MS (APCI) 477 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step e), using the product of example 39 step b).

MS (APCI) 429 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 32 step f), using the product of example 39 step c).

MS (APCI) 415 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.38 (1H, s), 7.48 (2H, dt), 7.26 (1H, d), 7.19 (1H, t), 7.11 (2H, dd), 4.73 (1H, t), 4.31 (2H, m), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.47-3.30 (2H, m), 1.10 (3H, d)

EXAMPLE 40 (+/−)-5-[[2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) (+/−)-2-amino-3-methoxy-1-propanol hydrochloride

To a suspension of DL-3-methoxy-alanine (1.0 g) in dry THF (100 ml) was added borane methylsulfide complex (10 ml) and the mixture heated under reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was then quenched with methanol while at reflux, evaporated to dryness and the residue taken up into methanolic hydrogen chloride (100 ml) and heated under reflux for a further 2 hours, evaporated to dryness to give the subtitle compound as a colourless gum (1.0 g).

NMR δ_(H) (D₂O) 3.40 (3H, s), 3.53-3.74 (4H, m), 3.81 (1H, m).

(b) (+/−)-2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-methoxy-1-propanol,

Prepared by the method of example 12 step a) using the product of example 4 step b) and the product of example 40 step a).

MS (APCI) 414 (M+H⁺, 100%).

c) (+/−)-2-[[2-chloro-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-methoxy-1-propanol,

To a solution of the product from example 40 step b) (1.0 g) in a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid (40 ml) and water (32 ml) cooled in ice water was added a solution of sodium nitrite (0.4 g) in water (5 mL), stirred at this temp for 2 hours. The mixture was then extracted into ethyl acetate, dried and evaporated to give the subtitle compound (0.6 g).

MS (APCI) 434 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) (+/−)-2-[[5[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-methoxy-1-propanol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 40 step c).

MS (APCI) 429 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(e) (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 40 step d).

MS (APCI) 415 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 41 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 12 step a) using the product of example 1 step c) and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol.

MS (APCI) 364 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.42-738 (1H, m), 7.28 (1H, t), 7.22 (1H, t), 5.30 (1H, d), 4.63 (1H, bs), 4.28 (2H, s), 4.03 (1H, m), 3.54-3.40 (4H, m).

(b) 2-[[2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 40 step c) and the product of example 41 step a)

MS (APCI) 384 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[2-methoxy-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1,3-propanediol,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f) and the product of example 41 step b)

MS (APCI) 379 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g) and the product of example 41 step c)

MS (APCI) 365 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 42 5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

(a) 2-[[2-amino-5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b).

MS (APCI) 428 (M+H⁺, 100%).

b) 2-[[2-bromo-5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step e), using the product of example 42 step a).

MS (APCI) 491 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) 2-[[5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-(2R)-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f), using the product of example 42 step b).

MS (APCI) 443 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g), using the product of example 42 step c).

MS (APCI) 427 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.41 (1H, s), 7.65-7.14 (5H, m), 4.72 (1H, t), 4.42 (2H, s), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.47-3.30 (2H, m), 1.10 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 43 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt

The product from example 5 step d) was suspended in water and to this suspension was added 1 equivalent of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution, followed by the addition of a small aliquot of tetrahydrofuran to aid dissolution. The resultant solution was then lyopholised to give the title compound as a colourless solid.

MP 218-220° C.

MS (APCI) 385 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.39-7.09 (3H, m), 5.60 (1H, d), 4.65 (1H, m), 4.34 (2H, q), 4.09 (1H, m), 3.44-3.27 (2H, m), 1.06 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 44 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt

Prepared as in example 43 using the product of example 17 step b)

MS (APCI) 401 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 45 (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt

Prepared by the method of example 43 using the product of example 40 step e).

MP >250° C.

MS (APCI) 415 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.39-7.04 (3H, m), 5.51 (1H, d), 4.68 (1H, t), 4.34 (2H, q), 4.22 (1H, m), 3.51-3.35 (4H, m), 3.32 (3H, s).

EXAMPLE 46 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt

Prepared by the method of example 43 using the product from example 41 step d)

MP 231-2° C.

MS (APCI) 365 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.41-7.18 (5H, m), 5.30 (1H, d), 4.63 (2H, s), 4.28 (2H, s), 4.06 (1H, m), 3.50 (4H, m).

EXAMPLE 47 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt

Prepared by the method of example 43 using the product of example 3 step d)

MP (shrinks 110) melts 221-225° C.

MS (APCI) 349 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 7.41-7.18 (5H, m), 5.58 (1H, d), 4.65 (1H, t), 4.28 (2H, q), 4.11 (1H, m), 3.49-3.31 (2H, m), 1.08 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 48 5-[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

(a) (2R)-2-[[2-amino-5-[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 32 step c), using the product of example 32 step b) and 5-chloro-4-(chloromethyl)-1,2,3-thiadiazole.

MS (APCI) 390 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) (2R)-2-[[2-chloro-5-[[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 40 step c) and using the product of example 48 step a)

MS (APCI) 409 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(c) (2R)-2-[[5-[[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)methyl]thio]-2-methoxythiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-1-propanol

Prepared by the method of example 1 step f) and using the product of example 48 step b)

MS (APCI) 405 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(d) 5-[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,

Prepared by the method of example 1 step g) and using the product of example 48 step c)

MS (APCI) 391 (M+H⁺, 100%).

NMR δH (d₆-DMSO) 12.39 (1H, s), 7.39 (1H, d), 4.76 (2H, AB), 4.70 (1H, t), 4.24 (1H, m), 3.48-3.30 (2H, m), 1.11 (3H, d).

Pharmacological Data

Ligand Binding Assay

[¹²⁵I]IL-8 (human, recombinant) was purchased from Amersham, U.K. with a specific activity of 2,000 Ci/mmol. All other chemicals were of analytical grade. High levels of hrCXCR2 were expressed in HEK 293 cells (human embryo kidney 293 cells ECACC No. 85120602) (Lee et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267 pp16283-16291). hrCXCR2 cDNA was amplified and cloned from human neutrophil mRNA. The DNA was cloned into PCRScript (Stratagene) and clones were identified using DNA. The coding sequence was sub-cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector RcCMV (Invitrogen). Plasmid DNA was prepared using Quiagen Megaprep 2500 and transfected into HEK 293 cells using Lipofectamine reagent (Gibco BRL). Cells of the highest expressing clone were harvested in phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.2% (w/v) ethylenediamintetraacetic acid (EDTA) and centrifuged (200 g, 5 min.). The cell pellet was resuspended in ice cold homogensation buffer [10 M HEPES (pH 7.4), 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM EDTA and a panel of protease inhibitors (1 mM phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride, 2 μg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor, 3 mM benzamidine, 0.5 μg/ml leupeptin and 100 μg/ml bacitracin)] and the cells left to swell for 10 minutes. The cell preparation was disrupted using a hand held glass mortar/PTFE pestle homogeniser and cell membranes harvested by centrifugation (45 minutes, 100,000 g, 4° C.). The membrane preparation was stored at −70° C. in homogenisation buffer supplemented with Tyrode's salt solution (137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 0.4 mM NaH₂PO₄), 0.1% (w/v) gelatin and 10% (v/v) glycerol.

All assays were performed in a 96-well MultiScreen 0.45 μm filtration plates (Millipore, U.K.). Each assay contained ˜50 pM [¹²⁵I]IL-8 and membranes (equivalent to ˜200,000 cells) in assay buffer [Tyrode's salt solution supplemented with 10 mM HEPES (pH 7.4), 1.8 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.125 mg/ml bacitracin and 0.1% (w/v) gelatin]. In addition, a compound of formula (I) according to the Examples was pre-dissolved in DMSO and added to reach a final concentration of 1% (v/v) DMSO. The assay was initiated with the addition of membranes and after 1.5 hours at room temperature the membranes were harvested by filtration using a Millipore MultiScreen vacuum manifold and washed twice with assay buffer (without bacitracin). The backing plate was removed from the MultiScreen plate assembly, the filters dried at room temperature, punched out and then counted on a Cobra γ-counter.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the Examples were found to have IC₅₀ values of less than (<) 10 μM.

Intracellular Calcium Mobilisation Assay

Human neutrophils were prepared from EDTA-treated peripheral blood, as previously described (Baly et al. (1997) Methods in Enzymology 287 pp70-72), in storage buffer [Tyrode's salt solution (137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 0.4 mM NaH₂PO₄) supplemented with 5.7 mM glucose and 10 mM HEPES (pH 7.4)].

The chemokine GROα (human, recombinant) was purchased from R&D Systems (Abingdon, U.K.). All other chemicals were of analytical grade. Changes in intracellular free calcium were measured fluorometrically by loading neutrophils with the calcium sensitive fluorescent dye, fluo-3, as described previously (Merritt et al. (1990) Biochem. J. 269,pp513-519). Cells were loaded for 1 hour at 37° C. in loading buffer (storage buffer with 0.1% (w/v) gelatin) containing 5 μM fluo-3 AM ester, washed with loading buffer and then resuspended in Tyrode's salt solution supplemented with 5.7 mM glucose, 0.1% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1.8 mM CaCl₂ and 1 mM MgCl₂. The cells were pipetted into black walled, clear bottom, 96 well micro plates (Costar, Boston, U.S.A.) and centrifuged (200 g, 5 minutes, room temperature).

A compound of formula (I) according to the Examples was pre-dissolved in DMSO and added to a final concentration of 0.1% (v/v) DMSO. Assays were initiated by the addition of an A₅₀ concentration of GROα and the transient increase in fluo-3 fluorescence (λ_(Ex)=490 nm and λ_(Em)=520 nm) monitored using a FLIPR (Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, U.S.A.).

The compounds of formula (I) according to the Examples were tested and found to be antagonists of the CXCR2 receptor in human neutrophils. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

in which R¹ represents a C₃-C₇ carbocyclic, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl group, each of the groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹ or an aryl or heteroaryl group, both of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹, C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl groups; R² and R³ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or a C₃-C₇ carbocyclic, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl group, the latter four groups may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from: (a) halogen atoms, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —COOR⁷, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹ (b) a 3-8 membered ring optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S, NR⁸ and itself optionally substituted by C₁-C₃-alkyl or halogen, (c) an aryl group or heteroaryl group each of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, —OR⁴, —NR⁵R⁶, —CONR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸COR⁹, —SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —NR⁸SO₂R⁹, C₁-C₆ alkyl and trifluoromethyl groups; R⁴ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl or a phenyl group the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹¹ and —NR¹²R¹³ R⁵ and R⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or phenyl group the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹⁴ and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶, —CONR¹⁵R¹⁶, —NR¹⁵COR¹⁶, —SONR¹⁵R¹⁶, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁶ or R⁵ and R⁶ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated heterocyclic ring system optionally containing a further heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which ring system may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from phenyl, —OR¹⁴, —COOR¹⁴, —NR¹⁵R¹⁶, —CONR¹⁵R¹⁶, —NR¹⁵COR¹⁶, —SONR¹⁵R¹⁶, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁶ or C₁-C₆ alkyl, itself optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen atoms and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶ and —OR¹⁷ groups; R¹⁰ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆-alkyl or a phenyl group, the latter two of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituent groups independently selected from halogen atoms, phenyl, —OR¹⁷ and —NR¹⁵R¹⁶; and each of R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷ independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆, alkyl, or a phenyl group.
 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ represents an optionally substituted benzyl group.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein one of R² and R³ is hydrogen and the other is C₁-C₈ alkyl substituted by hydroxy.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 selected from: 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, (R)-7-[[1-(Hydroxymethyl)propyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, (R)-7-[(2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, N-[2-[[5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide, (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[3-Chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(3R,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidin-3-yl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[(2-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-5-[[(2-methylphenyl)methyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[(2-Furanylmethyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-Amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one (2S)-2-[[5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanamide, 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-thienylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[[3-methyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[[3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[[2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(3-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2-bromophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[(5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 selected from: 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt, 5-[[3-Chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt, (+/−)-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt, 7-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt, or 7-[[(1R)-2-Hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one sodium salt.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 selected from: 7-[[(1R)-2-amino-1-methylethyl]amino]-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 5-[[[4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-chlorophenyl]methyl]thio]-7-[[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one trifluoroacetate, 5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[2-[(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one monohydrochloride, or 5-[[(2,3-Difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]-7-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one dihydrochloride.
 7. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt as claimed in claim 1 and wherein: R¹ represents benzyl substituted by one or more C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or halogen atoms; and one of R² and R³ is hydrogen and the other is CH(CH₃)CH₂OH, CH(Et)CH₂OH, C(CH₃)₂CH₂OH or CH(CH₂OH)₂.
 8. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 which comprises: (a) treating a compound of formula (IIA):

where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) with a thiol R¹SH in the presence of a suitable base, or (b) treatment of a compound of formula (IIB):

where R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is a leaving group with a metal alkoxide, followed by treatment with an acid or base, and optionally after (a) or (b) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 9. A compound of formula (IIA) or (IIB) as defined in claim 8, wherein X is halogen and with the proviso that formula (IIB) cannot represent the compounds: i.) 2-[[-2-Bromo-5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol; or ii.) 2-[[-2-Bromo-5-[[(2,3-difluorophenyl)methyl]thio]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]amino]-2-methyl-1-propanol.
 10. A compound of formula (IIIA):

where R² and R³ are as defined in formula (I) and X is NH₂.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as claimed in claim 1 in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. 